Just like that, there’s hope for Tamara (37 HQ Photos)

On Friday I published a story about Tamara, a beautiful Chivette who found out she had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma only a few months ago.

Hodgkin’s is an unbelievably aggressive form of cancer. In just two months, the tumor had moved from her diaphragm to her lungs and up the right side of her neck. The tumor was, quite literally, squeezing the life out of her.

With only a few chemo treatments to go, and the promise of an 82% remission rate, Tamara saw the light at the end of the tunnel. The finish line was never closer. But After her 6th chemo treatment, Tamara’s insurance began to waffle about the kind of care they would provide, we’re hopeful that’s being resolved.

Adding injury to insult, Tamara’s 6th chemo treatment had ravaged her body. Her body was so sore, she couldn’t walk. Unable to leave her bed and uncertain about her future, darkness once again closed around Tamara.

That’s when I began receiving dozens of emails about Tamara. With her life hanging in the balance, Chivers were organizing multiple fundraisers in her support, and the movement’s goal was to carry Tamara across the finish line.

Tamara’s best friend, Amanda, had organized a benefit at a local bar in San Clemente. 90 people had committed to the event which included drink specials, a $10 door donation, silent auction, and raffle. If theCHIVE threw its weight behind the event, we knew we could blow it to the moon. And that’s exactly what we did.

On Sunday, hundreds of Chivers traveled from across the country to Zona’s in San Clemente to rally around Tamara and raise a truckload of cash for her treatment. Bill Murray donated the #2 Cinderella Story print, the great people at the Fuck Cancer Foundation sold t-shirts, and we donated a ton of rare Chive merchandise for the silent auction. The Bill Murray #2 Cinderella Story would be auctioned off for more than $2,000.

The Chivers from Camp Pendleton came out in full force – thanks for that guys and gals.

Tamara took photos all day. She has become an overnight inspiration for thousands. Tamara told me she went to Mayhem Fest over the weekend, “After my story on Friday, everybody at Mayhem knew who I was. I got like 50 ‘Chive Ons.’ I was even invited backstage! I hadn’t felt so good in months.”

Tamara told me the coolest story about how a group of Chivers discovered her new donations page on Friday evening. “It started in theCHIVE comments, a Chiver discovered the link and pushed it out on Twitter and Facebook. They raised over $8,000 in just a couple hours. “I almost broke down. I’m in awe of how the Chivers give.”

One day later, we’re still sorting out the final numbers on how much we raised for Tamara but with a room full of Chivers, I’m told it was a big number.

Here’s some photos of the inspiring event…

UPDATE: Just refreshed the donations page and watched it jump from $9,000 to $15,000 in minutes. Unreal.

UPDATE #2: In the blink of an eye, $20,000 and climbing…

UPDATE #3: $25,000

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We showed up early to check out the silent auction. Mac insisted we do our best boy band pose.

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Sarah Jay made an appearance. She was one of the first to email me about Tamara weeks ago.

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Pro skateboarder Ryan Sheckler showed up at the event to support Tamara. For a kid with as much good looks and talent as he possesses, you can imagine Ryan might be a little self-involved. Hell, I wouldn’t even blame him. Instead the San Clemente native was the complete opposite. He’s a class act, a humble guy who took the time to talk with everybody and take photos. He stayed the whole day to support his friend. You’re a good dude, Ryan.

Thanks to pro surfer Anastasia Ashley for coming even though she was sick. Anastasia’s Twitter Machine.

Just like Ryan, she stayed the whole day to support Tamara.

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These awesome Chivers took part in the Oklahoma City Chive Meetup and Cleanup over the weekend then hopped on a plane to support Tamara.

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Tamara and her best friend, Amanda, who organized the event.

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I met multiple Hodgkin’s survivors that came to support Tamara and share their own stories.

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Thanks to all the winners of the silent auction for bidding your brains out.

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As the evening drew to and end, Tamara stood in front of the microphone. She confided in me earlier that she was terrified of public speaking but she wanted to say something. She paused and said:

“Two weeks ago I had given up hope.”

“…But thanks to my friends, my amazing family, and all the Chivers, I’m going to make it now.”

The whole place pretty much lost it at that point.

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I spoke with Tamara an hour ago. She was going in for her 7th chemo treatment, right on time. Medical bills paid courtesy of the Chivers. I wanted to give Tamara one last gift from theCHIVERS. As you know, after her 6th chemo treatment Tamara’s world fell apart. Let’s flip the script on the 7th treatment, shall we? By the time she gets home, let’s have completed her $20,000 goal (in addition to what we raised yesterday). It currently stands at $9,000. Something tells me we can hit it :)

It occurred to us all as we drove home that the Chive Nation may have helped save a life over the past few days. It’s truly amazing what this community has become, and I’m proud to be a small part of it. Thanks to all the Chivers who showed up yesterday. You continue to reaffirm how amazing this community has become.